cult

cult

(kŭlt),

A system of beliefs and rituals based on dogma or religious teachings and characterized by devoted adherents who display a readiness to obey, an unrealistic idealization of the leader, an abandonment of personal ambition and goals, and an eschewing of traditional societal values.

[L. cultus, an honoring, adoration]

cult

a specific complex of beliefs, rites, and ceremonies associated with some particular person or object, which is maintained by a social group. A cult is often considered as having magical significance.

Alternative—fringe An unscientific system of treating diseasePsychiatry A religious, political, psychotherapeutic, or commercial organization or sect, based on dogma or religious teachings, often with bizarre or unorthodox practices, values, or beliefs that differ from mainstream or accepted thinking, which engenders conflict between the group and society, and uses unethical manipulative techniques of persuasion and control to advance the leader’s goal; cults may be linked to mass suicide and death

cult

(kŭlt) [L. cultus, care]

A group of people with an obsessive commitment to an ideal or principle or to an individual personifying that ideal.

All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.